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Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, and it is also sometimes considered the largest island. Australia is divided into six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering an area of about 975,598 square miles, or 2,529,875 square kilometres. This accounts for 33% of the Australian continent, and it is more than twelve times bigger than the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest State | Western Australia |
| Area | 2.6 million square km (970,000 square miles) which is roughly a third of the Australian continent |
| Population | 2.7 million (2022 estimate) |
| Capital City | Perth |
| Time Zone | Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) UTC+08:00 |
| Key Industries | Mining, agriculture, tourism |
| Attractions | Pinnacles Desert, Karijini National Park, Cable Beach, Margaret River wine region |
| Fun Fact | The state is home to the world's largest collection of wildflowers, with over 12,000 species |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia is the largest state
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by land area, and it is also sometimes considered the world's largest island. It has a mainland coastline of 32,994 kilometres and is surrounded by thousands of small fringing islands and numerous larger ones.
In contrast, more than 90% of Western Australia's inhabitants reside in the South West Land Division, leaving large tracts of land unoccupied. The region has a low population density, with indigenous Australians having lived in the area for over 40,000 years. In 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog became the first European to set foot in Western Australia.
Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, with a total area of approximately 665,615 square miles, or about 22% of the country's total land area. Queensland is known for its subtropical climate and is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The state's capital, Brisbane, is Australia's third-largest city.
The remaining states of Australia include New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. New South Wales is the largest state in terms of population, accounting for about 32% of the country's population, while Victoria is known as the cultural heart of Australia, with its capital, Melbourne, being named the 'Most Liveable City in the World' multiple times. South Australia is a laid-back destination with a thriving arts scene, and Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, offers dazzling beaches, rugged mountains, and breathtaking walks and hikes.
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Queensland is the second-largest state
Queensland was founded in 1859, separating from New South Wales. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales to the west, southwest, and south, respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Torres Strait separates the Australian mainland from Papua New Guinea in the north, and the Gulf of Carpentaria lies to the northwest.
The state's capital and largest city is Brisbane, which is Australia's third-largest city and comprises half of Queensland's population. Ten of Australia's thirty largest cities are located in Queensland, including the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. Queensland has a population of over 5 million, with the majority of people residing along the coast.
Queensland has diverse geographical features and climates due to its size. It includes tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and white sandy beaches in its tropical and subtropical coastal regions. It also features deserts and savannas in its semi-arid and desert climatic regions. The state experiences high summer temperatures, with average January maxima ranging from 82 °F (28 °C) on the coast to 99 °F (37 °C) in the interior. Winters are mild and sunny, with July maxima ranging from 68 °F (20 °C) in the south to 79 °F (26 °C) in the north.
Queensland has the highest inter-state net migration in Australia and is the fastest-growing state. It has a diverse economy, with the third-largest economy in the country after New South Wales and Victoria.
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Northern Territory is the third-largest state
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area. It is comprised of six states and two territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. The territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory is the third-largest state in Australia, covering an area of about 515,733 square miles. It is situated at the top end of Australia and is home to the capital city of Darwin. The Northern Territory is known for its vast wilderness and iconic natural landmarks. It takes 'the outback' to a whole new level with some of the country's premier national parks, including Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park.
The Northern Territory offers a quintessential Australian experience with its sublime landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the unique charm of Australia's natural environment and cultural heritage.
The region has a rich history, having been inhabited by indigenous Australians for tens of thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. The area has also undergone various administrative changes, including being known as Central Australia and North Australia during the period from 1926 to 1931.
Today, the Northern Territory boasts a diverse range of environments and cultural experiences. From its rugged deserts to its lush rainforests, the Northern Territory showcases the natural beauty of Australia. It is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural exploration in a land of contrasting landscapes and a blend of modern and ancient cultures.
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Australia is the world's sixth-largest country
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with Western Australia being the largest state in terms of area. It occupies an area of about 975,598 square miles, which is around 33% of the country's total area. The state is known for its dramatic Kimberley Region, the idyllic Rottnest Island, and the premium wine and surf region of Margaret River. Its capital, Perth, is famous for its serene, uncrowded beaches, parklands, and fresh seafood.
Queensland is the second-largest state, covering approximately 665,615 square miles, or about 22% of Australia's total area. It is known as the 'Sunshine State' and is home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Brisbane, the state's capital, is Australia's third-largest city.
The Northern Territory is the third-largest territory, with an area of about 515,733 square miles. It is known for its iconic landscapes, emblematic wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal culture. Kakadu National Park, King's Canyon, and Litchfield National Park are some of the country's premier national parks located in this territory.
New South Wales, the biggest state by population, is the fifth-largest state in terms of area, accounting for about 10% of the country's total area. It is home to popular destinations such as the Sapphire Coast, the Central Coast, and the Blue Mountains. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is the most populous city in Australia.
South Australia, the fifth-most populous state, is the fourth-largest in terms of area, making up about 12% of the country's total area. Its capital, Adelaide, serves as a great base for exploring the Barossa Valley wineries, the Flinders Ranges, and Kangaroo Island. The state is also known for its thriving arts scene and is nicknamed the 'Festival State'.
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Australian Capital Territory is the smallest state
Australia is divided into six states and two territories, with each area offering its own unique mix of environments, cultures, and rhythms. Western Australia is the largest state in the country, occupying an area of about 975,598 square miles. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the smallest state, with a population of 453,324 residents, according to the 2016 census.
The ACT is an internal territory of Australia and is home to Canberra, the capital city. It is located in southeastern Australia and is surrounded by the state of New South Wales. The territory covers an area of 2,358 square kilometres and was ceded to the Commonwealth in 1911. The ACT is renowned for blending the best of nature and culture, with notable geological formations such as the Canberra Formation and the Pittman Formation.
The territory boasts some of Australia's most important national institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and Parliament House. The ACT has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is known for its cool, new edge. It has a democratic government, with a locally elected legislative assembly that has governed the territory since 1988. The executive power of the territory rests with the ACT government, headed by the Chief Minister, who appoints a number of ministers to support them.
The ACT operates indistinguishably from the states in many aspects, with representation in both the Parliament and the Senate. However, it does not have constitutional status as a state, and territorial legislation can be overridden by the Commonwealth, which maintains authority over the territory. The median weekly income in the ACT is significantly higher than the national median, and English is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Mandarin and Nepali. The territory's most prevalent countries of birth outside of Australia include India, England, China, Nepal, and New Zealand.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering an area of about 975,598 square miles.
Western Australia accounts for 33% of the Australian continent and is bigger in size than Western Europe, four times the size of Texas, twelve times bigger than the UK, and twenty times bigger than England.
Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, covering an area of approximately 665,615 square miles.
Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states, covering an area of 237,629 square km. However, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the smallest state or territory, with an area of 2,400 square km.
Australia has six federated states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.
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